The unusual move is a "wake-up call" for the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, said Terry Olson, director of the county's Arts and Cultural Affairs department that oversees the annual cultural-tourism grants.

The county's Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Council had not recommended funding the 2013 festival because the association's application raised concerns about its weak financial condition,Olson said. The group received $150,000 last year.

The 23-year-old festival, which takes place each January, has lost money in recent years, said ZoraFest founder NY Nathiri. Even reports of a small profit this year turned out to be "premature," she said.

Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell suggested the one-time grant of $150,000, citing the festival's cultural importance. Hurston, a significant literary figure who wrote "Their Eyes Were Watching God," is the most famous resident of Eatonville, one of the nation's first African-American towns.

The ZoraFest funding will come from another county grant program. Commissioners expect to have money available because of rebounding tourist-development tax revenues, which fund the grants.

The association already has taken steps to balance its books, said Nathiri, who counts a small profit on its recent "Eyes Were Watching God" conference as a success.

"We're very grateful for this vote of confidence," Nathiri said. "We'll do everything possible not to let down these commissioners. I'm positive we can completely satisfy their requirements."

Also receiving $150,000, the maximum award, were Orlando Science Center, Enzian Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Shakespeare Theater. In all, 20 organizations received grants, the smallest being $12,270 to Friends of Casa Feliz.